May 15, 2026 — Regular Season Game 45
New York Yankees 5, New York Mets 2

The battle for New York belonged to the Bronx as the Yankees defeated the crosstown rival Mets 5-2. The Yankees got another impressive performance from Cam Schlittler and did enough offensively to secure the victory. However, nine runners left on base and a lineup filled with hitters below the Mendoza Line show there is still plenty to clean up. Here are our 3 Outs from Game 45.

OUT #1: Another Strong Outing From Cam Schlittler

Cam Schlittler continues to make his case as an important piece of the Yankees rotation. Schlittler delivered another strong outing against the Mets, highlighted by nine strikeouts. His ability to generate swings and misses was on full display, and he gave the Yankees exactly what they needed to control the game. The more Schlittler pitches, the more comfortable he appears against Major League hitters. The stuff is clearly there, and when he is attacking the strike zone, he has the arsenal to pile up strikeouts. Nine more punchouts and another Yankees victory? You’ll take that every time.

OUT #2: 4-for-10 With RISP, But Nine Left on Base

The Yankees scored five runs, but they had opportunities to make this game much less interesting. New York finished 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position, which is certainly a positive. A .400 average with RISP will win plenty of games. The problem was the nine runners left on base. The Yankees consistently created scoring opportunities but failed to completely capitalize. It didn’t hurt them against the Mets, but leaving that many runners stranded could become costly in tighter games. Five runs were enough tonight. They might not always be.

OUT #3: Too Many Batters on the Interstates

There are simply too many Yankees hitters below .200. In baseball terms, they’re riding the “interstate” because their batting averages resemble highway numbers. Having one or two struggling hitters is expected during a 162-game season. Having several scattered throughout the same lineup becomes a legitimate concern. Batting average isn’t everything, but when multiple players are sitting below the Mendoza Line, rallies become much harder to sustain. The Yankees have managed to win despite it, but they can’t expect their best hitters and pitching staff to cover those holes forever.

Final Plunge

A 5-2 win over the Mets is always worth enjoying, and Schlittler’s nine-strikeout performance gives Yankees fans another reason to be excited. But nine runners stranded and too many hitters cruising down I-.190 show there is still work to do. For now, though, the Yankees own New York, at least on this night.

Final: Yankees 5, Mets 2.

The Pinstripe Plunge Report — 3 Outs:
Out #1: Cam Schlittler continues to impress with nine strikeouts.
Out #2: The Yankees go 4-for-10 with RISP but strand nine runners.
Out #3: Too many Yankees hitters remain below the Mendoza Line.